Today, I want to talk about something that affects all of us — pollution — and how we, as students of Bundang Jungang High School, are taking steps toward a better future.

Every year, the world produces over 300 million tons of plastic, and shockingly, about 8 million tons end up in our oceans. That’s the equivalent of one garbage truck dumping plastic into the sea every minute. If we don’t act now, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

At our school, we’ve taken that warning seriously. For World Environment Day on June 5th, we hosted a Coral Reef Exhibition to show how plastic pollution destroys marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, which support 25% of marine life, are suffocating under plastic waste.

But raising awareness isn’t enough. That’s why we also promote waste sorting. By separating recyclables from general trash, we reduce landfill waste and ensure plastics get a second life. It’s a simple daily habit that can reduce up to 30% of school waste.

We’ve also taken steps to recycle scrap paper — giving new purpose to used test sheets and notebooks. Did you know producing one ton of paper from recycled sources saves 17 trees and over 26,000 liters of water?

Our message is clear: Words may inspire, but only action creates change.

Let’s continue turning inspiration into real impact. Each bottle sorted, each page reused, each lesson shared — brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier world.

Thank you.